A Lesson of Inspiration and Ingenuity From 9 Year Old Caine Monroy

by Chris Tecmire

Sometimes kids are the best teachers…especially when you’re dealing with the impossible. Kids still rely on their imagination. Kids still believe in superheroes. Young kids haven’t been told how silly their ambitions are yet. That will come later when their parents, older kids, or some other jaded adult brings them back to “reality.” They’ll soon become cynical and skeptical. They’ll soon become normal.

And that’s a shame. Greatness is routinely missed because we’re taught to play it safe and fit in. Sometimes it takes a kid to help us remember that “outside of the box” is good, fun, and usually where the real answers lie.

Below is a video of 9 year old Caine Monroy from East L.A., who built an arcade out of cardboard boxes because no one told him not to. Check out the creativity and determination that Caine demonstrates throughout the process.

For those of you who are struggling with debt and can’t seem to get over the proverbial hump, think outside of normal. Normal’s what got you in this mess to begin with. I don’t know if I would start a cardboard arcade – I think Caine has the market cornered now – but try something different.

Normal says you need to fill up a big house, have 2 or 3 cars, eat out often, and pay for cable, cell phones, and a closet full of the trendiest clothes.

Try something different. Use your imagination. And don’t let the grownups tell you you can’t.